Victorian Apothecary Bottles Appraisal

Pair of Antique Glass Apothecary Bottles with Ground Glass Stoppers and Original Labels

This is a pair of antique clear glass apothecary bottles, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Each bottle features a sturdy, somewhat thick-walled construction with a wide, squat body tapering gently to a narrower, cylindrical neck. They are topped with well-fitted, ground glass stoppers that have a rectangular, block-like finial for easy gripping. The stoppers appear to be original to the bottles, suggesting a good seal for preserving contents. Each bottle has a distinct, shield-shaped paper label affixed to its front. The left bottle's label, in shades of faded orange and brown, reads "EXT. SARZE.L" in black block letters. The right bottle's label, with visible crackling and discoloration, reads "DEC. PEREIRA" also in black block letters. The labels show significant signs of age, including fading, creasing, and surface degradation, particularly on the right bottle where the adhesive or paper itself has deteriorated into a crazed pattern. The glass itself appears to be in good condition with no apparent chips or cracks, although minor scratching or etching consistent with age and use may be present upon closer inspection. The bottoms of the bottles feature a visible pontil mark or a clear, flat base indicative of their manufacturing process. One bottle, the right one, contains a small, light-colored, irregular lump of what appears to be dried residue, possibly from a past ingredient. The craftsmanship is typical for period apothecary ware, functional but with a certain elegance reflective of the era's pharmaceutical practices. These bottles would have been used for storing various compounds, extracts, and decoctions in a pharmacy setting.